Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells: 5 Steps to Comfort Food Joy

Ah, family pasta nights! There’s something truly special about gathering around the table, the air filled with mouthwatering aromas and laughter echoing off the walls. One dish that never fails to make an appearance on those cozy evenings is my Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells. Trust me, these shells are not just your average pasta; they’re hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making them the ultimate comfort food. Every bite is a delightful combination of seasoned ground beef and creamy cheeses, all nestled in those perfectly cooked jumbo shells, swimming in rich marinara sauce. Yum! I can almost hear the chorus of “seconds, please!” already. This recipe is so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Get ready to impress your family and treat them to a meal that’s not only delicious but also filled with love. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making these Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells truly scrumptious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef, preferably lean
• 1 cup packed ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create a delightful, cheesy filling that your family will love. Don’t forget to grab everything before you start cooking!

How to Prepare Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! I promise this process is straightforward, and soon enough, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve. Here’s how to put it all together:

Prepping the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling away, gently add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them firm enough to hold the filling later! Once done, drain the shells and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This little trick helps prevent them from sticking together or breaking while you stuff them.

Making the Filling

While your shells are cooking, let’s get to the filling! In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and well combined. Then, fold in the cooked ground beef, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor!

Assembling the Dish

Now comes the fun part—stuffing those shells! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t be shy; pack them in there! Once all the shells are filled, place them in the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure each shell is coated in that delicious sauce.

Baking Instructions

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning! When it’s done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything set up and make for easier serving. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells! Here are just a few:

• Hearty and Satisfying: Each bite is filled with a delicious blend of beef and creamy cheeses, making it a filling meal.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up even on a busy weeknight.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shells in advance and bake them when you’re ready, saving you time!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out cheeses for a personal touch!

Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your household!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells turn out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips:

• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cheeses and herbs. They’ll elevate the flavor and make your filling extra creamy.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in finely chopped spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Shells: Remember, you want them al dente! They’ll finish cooking in the oven, so undercooking slightly is key.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a winning dish that your family will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells, perfect for keeping track of your meals! Each serving (2 shells) contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Sugar: 6g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your meal with a little knowledge about what you’re eating!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:

How long do I bake the stuffed shells?

You’ll want to bake the stuffed shells for a total of 35 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This includes 25 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered to get that cheesy goodness bubbling!

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses. Cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses can add a fun twist, just remember to keep the ratios similar!

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells is simple! Let the dish cool completely before transferring any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, reheating is key to keeping that cheesy goodness intact. Just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a little more mozzarella on top before reheating for an even cheesier treat! Enjoy every delicious bite again!

Call to Action

I’d love to hear how your Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells turned out! Did you make any tweaks or add your own special touch? Please leave a comment below and let me know! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and share your experience with others. Happy cooking!

For more information on the nutritional benefits of pasta, check out this resource.

For tips on cooking ground beef, visit USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

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